Customer Reviews:
  Fun, but stodgy at times July 3, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'd never rate the Nancy Drew as the best possible adventure games. They tend to be puzzle heavy - that is, abstract puzzles rather than logical deduction about the real situation. What's always good is the quality of the voice acting, and the way the story progresses. I also felt that Icicle Creek was quite fair in helping you along.
I've seen complaints about having to continuously do the chores - in fact, at least in junior mode this wasn't necessary - occasionally you are prompted to do the meals or do the rooms when you don't bother, but then there's a plot development that makes it necessary at that time. Also the survey you have to fill out at some point - well I just guessed a couple of answers, and it didn't seem to make any difference to the story that I must have been wrong.
I only played this through to the end, at which point there's an annoying arcade game-ette - like something out of an early 80's game, and frankly after about ten attempts, and finding that despite pursuing the villain for 5 minutes, the game still didn't come to an end - I'd say that was a bug - it should have been necessary only to pursue for about 30 seconds. Also more could have been made of that clever business with the wolf - for instance, it could have actually brought something back. Another weakness is the inventory icons - too small to see what they are.
Still, not bad fun.
 nancy drew September 4, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I know that this game starts different from any of the other nancy drew games, but I thought this was fun, making breakfast, lunch and dinner, while still investigating at white wolf creek. I would say however that the puzzles were very hard at times, especially the puzzle of the fox and geese, it took me a long time to do this one, as you have to do this 4 times. All in all I found this game brilliant. Cannot wait until the next game comes out, hope it's not too long to wait.
Okay but not brilliant July 2, 2007
17 out of 17 found this review helpful
I was really looking forward to the release of this game, but was a bit disappointed. The start up has been changed which was a bit different to what we have been used to over the years - no signature music etc, but there is now a ND Central Control panel whereby you can access all the games from one central point which is really useful.
Another really useful aspect is the ability to be able to save games simply with a screen shot of where you were in the game. This is so much better compared to the previous method of having to exit the game, go into the control panel, save game, choose exit etc. With this new system, you can visually see all the saved games which makes it a million times easier and more convenient.
Personally, I do miss the signature music but I expect people will soon get used to its absence.
Now onto the game itself: the graphics were, as ever, superb imo and the setting very intriguing. Without giving too much away, there are both indoor and outdoor activities which is always more interesting than being limited to a single area. There were lots of places to explore, quite a few VERY frustrating puzzles to complete and some tasks which I actually quite enjoyed doing! Also a number of dangerous situations which resulted in my "death" on more than a few occassions!
The one thing I would say about this game was that the storyline was fairly dull and not terribly exciting in the least - the ending was fairly easy imo and nowhere comparable with the likes of Shadow Ranch or Deception Island.
All in all, a very good game - entertaining and sometimes frustrating, but not overly difficult. Realistic interesting setting but lacking in atmosphere imo and the absense of dramatic music during the game was perhaps a contributing factor.
Although an enjoyable game, I feel that Her Interactive need to, and can do better - please return the spooky and sometimes tense atmosphere into the next game! It was sorely missed in this one!
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